Interviewing for Assessment: A Practical Guide for School Psychologists and School Counselors - Paperback

by Michael Hass (Author)

An indispensable guide for school psychologists and school counselors on assessment interviewing

Assessment Interviewing is a collaborative, strengths-based approach to the subject that helps professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively gather the information they need in order to assess children's social, emotional, and academic functioning. Practical and easy to read, it provides step-by-step guidelines for structuring interviews for different purposes, communicating respect and understanding, and strategies for gathering information from children of different ages, cultures, and social standings.

Chapter contains case studies and examples that illustrate how to clarify and classify problems, understand strengths and resources, appreciate the role of culture in interviews and respond to risk of suicide. The book concludes with a chapter on how to communicate the key information gathered into a comprehensive assessment or intervention plan.

• Addresses the unique interviewing needs of school-based professionals
• Features numerous practice exercises
• Provides strategies and guidelines for integrating the information gathered from interviews into a comprehensive assessment or intervention plan
• Includes interview protocols and end-of-chapter checklists

This book is an ideal resource for school-based practitioners and graduate courses in assessment, counseling, and seminars attached to fieldwork.

Back Jacket

CONSTRUCT A MORE HOLISTIC PICTURE OF A CHILD'S ABILITIES BY INTERVIEWING FOR STRENGTHS

"This state-of-the-art book provides a wealth of valuable, insightful, and practical information on conducting effective clinical interviews. Each chapter is clearly written, provides excellent case examples, and contains critical takeaway points. Students, early-career professionals, and seasoned clinicians will become better interviewers by reading this book. It is an excellent resource that should be required reading for all school psychologists, school counselors, and students training to become them."
--David N. Miller, Ph.D., author of Child and Adolescent Suicidal Behavior School-Based Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention

"In contrast to diagnostic assessments that focus on what is missing and wrong, the practical interviewing methods in this book expand the assessment process to include student strengths, resources, and nuances that paint a more holistic and useful picture of students and their struggles--a picture that increases intervention options and solution opportunities. Dr. Hass's extensive experience as a practitioner and teacher are evident in the many examples and dialogues throughout the book. This is a must read for graduate students and school-based practitioners wishing to incorporate respectful, student-centered interviews into their assessments."
--John J. Murphy, Ph.D., author of Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools

Interviewing for Assessment offers school-based professionals a practical primer on essential interview skills, using a uniquely collaborative, strengths-based approach. Although strengths are sometimes evaluated as part of a student assessment, the lack of a systematic approach to interviewing for strengths means these assets are often neglected. This book gives practitioners the knowledge and skill set they need to conduct more effective interviews and incorporate the information gathered into a comprehensive assessment or intervention plan. Case studies illustrate critical steps in diagnosis, goal setting, and intervention planning, while practice exercises, sample reports, checklists, and more provide practical tools for implementation.

The interview is a powerful information gathering tool, but it requires a unique blend of interpersonal skills and professional knowledge. Interviewing for Assessment helps practitioners master this important tool, enhancing their effectiveness and facilitating better student outcomes.

Author Biography

MICHAEL HASS, PHD, is a Professor of Scholarly Practice in the Counseling and School Psychology graduate programs at Chapman University. Dr. Hass has over 30 years of experience as a School Psychologist and psychotherapist, and holds California licenses in Educational Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Clinical Counseling. He serves as editor-in-chief of the journal Contemporary School Psychology, and co-authored Writing Useful, Accessible, and Legally Defendable Psychoeducational Reports with Jeanne Anne Carriere. In 2016, he earned the California Association of School Psychologists' Sandra Goff Memorial award for exemplary contributions to the profession of School Psychology in California and the nation.